Adelyn

My name is Addy, and I am a junior in high school. I want to talk about the need for a safe, judgment-free space where students can turn when they are stressed from school and overwhelmed with life.

I struggle with anxiety, and, initially, I wanted to hide it. I felt embarrassed, believing my anxieties should remain unseen. However, as I began sharing my struggles with close friends, I realized that I am not alone. Many students are grappling with anxiety, overwhelmed by the demanding schedules and responsibilities of school life.

Although I could find relief opening up to friends, I recognize that not every student feels comfortable or able to share their anxieties and emotions in general. Therein lies the need for a dedicated space within our schools—a nook that is free from judgment and observation, where the worry of worrying is lifted from our shoulders. Furthermore, even with supportive friends, I prefer not to be seen in public when feeling anxious or stressed. Often, I find myself coping with my anxiety in bathroom stalls or locker rooms, which do not offer comfort, warmth, nor true privacy. These areas are not designed to serve as a safe space where students can rest and feel secure.

Schools can be incredibly emotionally draining and stressful for students. The brief breaks in between classes, burdened with heavy workloads, are not enough time for us to catch our breaths, let alone manage our mental hurdles. In such an environment, the mere presence of a space—a nook—could be immensely beneficial. This would be a place where we can rest, be alone, cope with our feelings, and reassemble ourselves. It would enable us to gather the energy needed to re engage with the demanding pace of school life. This nook is not just a place to hide. It is a space for us to confront our anxieties and emotions within a supportive environment, fostering our ability to thrive personally and academically.

The value of this nook extends beyond the current support systems available in our school. While we do have access to a guidance counselor, many students find it daunting to seek out this resource. Discussing personal matters with an adult can, at times, worsen the stress we are already experiencing. Additionally, the policy of taking away our phones during several classes isolates us from our external support networks, such as family, many of whom we rely on for comfort during stressful moments.

I envision the nook as a warm, inviting space where students feel safe and in control. It would be a place where we can rest, take deep breaths, and engage in soothing activities like fidgeting or coloring. Importantly, it would be a judgment-free zone where we can navigate our feelings, employ personalized coping strategies, and ride out our emotional waves in peace.

As I advocate for this initiative, I call on schools and policymakers to redefine and broaden their approach to student well-being and the resources provided for support. Well-being in schools goes beyond mere discussions about anxiety and emotional challenges; it requires more than offering a single guidance counselor for students in distress. What we need is a holistic, cultural shift towards promoting the well-being of all students. One way to do so is by creating a space that is safe, comforting, and capable of easing students’ worries. This would prove invaluable, fostering a nurturing and empathetic school environment where every student can thrive. It will humanize our school community.

Thank you for considering this important aspect of our experience in school. Please support the Safe and Supportive Schools Line Item, so that students around the commonwealth of Massachusetts, including myself, can thrive and find comfort in school.